Kasich calls for balancing the budget, positive campaigning

GOP presidential candidate and Ohio Gov. John Kasich told hundreds gathered for a meeting in Florence on Thursday that he’s banking on a surge in the South Carolina primary on Feb. 20.

After a second-place finish in the New Hampshire primaries, he asked the crowd in Francis Marion University’s Chapman Auditorium to give him a “chance to take it to America.”

“I asked New Hampshire to give me chance. Now I’m in South Carolina asking you and I’m having the time of my life,” Kasich said. “I’m going to be positive and if I can’t win by being positive, then I’m going home with my head high.”

He said he has high hopes for the South Carolina GOP primary and will be campaigning heavily in the Palmetto State during the next week.

“Our venues are too small to accommodate all the people showing up, so we’re pleased with what we’re seeing at this point,” Kasich said.

The Ohio governor said balancing the national budget and ridding taxpayers of the $19 trillion debt is the catalyst that will get America’s middle class out of disrepair.

“We’ve got to get jobs going, period. The president’s economic policy has been very poor,” Kasich said. “What we’ve got to do is get regulations under control, cut taxes for both businesses and individuals and get on the road to balancing the budget. What that’s going to do is get us in a position where we can have economic growth for everybody, particularly the middle class.”

Kasich answered audience questions on a variety of topics including the repeal of Obamacare, strengthening Social Security and lowering the cost of college tuition.

“Let’s shed the assets we don’t need, let’s focus on the things we’re supposed to do and let’s get rid of the cost drivers,” Kasich said. “At the same time we’ve got to have robust job training and make sure our kids graduate from high school and community college with skills that are necessary in the 21st century.”

During a post-event interview with the Morning News, Kasich said he admires South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who gained national attention as a potential running mate.

“I think she’s great but I think it’s a little early for me to be thinking about a vice president,” he said. “She’s absolutely one of the most qualified, so I think she’s definitely going to be considered by whoever gets the nomination. They’d be crazy not to.”

Some voters who turned out for the event said they aren’t completely sold on a Kasich presidency but said he’s definitely a contender with the experience necessary to do the job.

“I want someone who knows how to lead and isn’t going to divide us further. Gov. Kasich has good experience and a positive message,” said Linda Dowling, a Florence resident. “Right now it’s a toss-up.”

This story was originally published February 11, 2016 at 9:55 PM with the headline "Kasich calls for balancing the budget, positive campaigning."